A Lot About Nothing

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, which was designed to inspire awareness and appreciate for the environment.

There are a lot of events going on in the city and across the nation. But it’s important to remember that being mindful of Earth’s environment should be done 365 days a year.

I’m happy to see so much positive change when it comes to environmental promotion, less consuming, recycling, and reusing. But there’s so many things that could still be done. I’m going to try to to my part to help conserve and keep Earth as green as possible, whether it means opting for public transit over driving, turning off unnecessary lights, or by carefully recycling all that I can.

Be sure to do your part. Get involved. Keep in mind that this planet is the only one we have, and we need to sustain it.

Find out more about Earth Day events in your city (including taking the Brita® FilterForGood pledge at Yonge-Dundas Square to reduce bottled water waste) by visiting earthday.ca. If you’re free this weekend and would like to attend a fun and educational eco-consumer show, visit the Green Living Show at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Check out the details at greenlivingonline.ca

It’s that time of year again. The Canadian National Exhibition opened last Friday, and I finally made my way down there yesterday. Great crowd (esp. because of the Canada vs. Jamaica soccer/football game at BMO Field). Of course my first stop was the Food Building, since I was starving. Had a potato roti (no, I couldn’t afford the one with meat… lol), shared some fries & gravy with my friend and then we rolled out of there after we overate.

It’s a good thing the Olympic Exhibits are right outside the food building. After seeing some awesome trampoline work by some athletes, my friend and I tried wheelchair basketball which was a cool experience (check out my form ).

Then it was off to shop in the warehouse outlets housed in the Direct Energy Centre… got myself some nice deals at Stitches (can’t go wrong with $2.50 for a graphic T-shirt).

We missed a part of the Grand Illusion & Escape Artist show (featuring Kevin Ridgeway and Kristen Johnson), but we did manage to see her get submerged into a tank of water and escape from locked chains which was cool.

As the sun went down, we managed to sneak in a bit of the game by watching the giant screen just outside BMO Field (ended up in a tie game). Then it was time to call it a day.

I’ll probably be going again next week to get more Tiny Tom donuts.

Yesterday was Toronto’s popular Caribana parade, the highlight of the two-week celebration that brings a huge amount of tourism and Caribbean flavour to the city.

It was a gorgeous day on Saturday (after the morning rain let up at least), so I decided to make a last minute trip and head down to see the parade. I think I spent more time on transit than I actually did at the parade itself! Getting from any of the subways stations down to the Exhibition grounds was crazy. My friend and I were lucky enough to get a seat on the way down there and on the way back (makes a huge different walking to the previous stop). The bus was packed and there was a lot of traffic on the road heading down to to the parade.

Once along the Lakeshore, we were greated by wonderful sounds of steel pans, soca music and the smell of delicious Caribbean food. There were so many people, many of which were adorned in in a flag from their retrospective Caribbean nation, in costume (I guess they got all tired out from playing mas), or wearing as little as possible/dressed to impress. What sucked though that all the ‘real’ Caribbean food was on the lake-side of the parade, and there were fences sectioning off the parade from the other side that we were on: I couldn’t find a way to get the roti I was craving! Plus my friend had to head to work, so we walked around for a bit, took some photos, grabbed the most DELIOUS, sweet-tasting corn-on-the-cob ever (which was the most ‘Caribbean’ option available over hamburgers, fries, hot dogs and cotton candy) and headed home.

All in all, it was a fun day (especially the people-watching… if only we were fashion police). I was planning to go to Olympic Island today for the Island Festival, but I think I’m too late to buy tickets. Next year I’ll make better plans though, and make sure I get there early!

Canada turns 141 today, and I’d just like to wish this great nation a happy birthday! The weather was beautiful today, but I haven’t got the chance to go outside yet. I think I’m getting used to being indoors since I basically had a 5-day weekend. I should be going to watch some fireworks tonight though.

If you want to see the skies light up and are looking for a place in the GTA to watch them from try Ashbridges Bay, Canada’s Wonderland, Ontario Place, Milliken Park, Downsview Park or Mel Lastman’s Square.

Okay, ladies. If you’re in Toronto today’s your last day to visit the annual National Women’s Show. I got so many goodies last year! I’m heading there now. Here’s an excerpt from their site that gives you info on what to expect:

The National Women’s Show offers a fantastic day out with girlfriends that you can’t find anywhere else! With everything from food and wine sampling to fashion and beauty; there will be celebrity guest speakers, fashion shows, free makeovers, tips for staying healthy, home décor and entertaining ideas, travel options plus career advice and over 425 exhibitors!

Make a day of it; bring your friends and be entertained. Enjoy great bargains and show specials, shop for well known brands or find a unique piece of clothing or jewelry at many of our boutique exhibits.

Experiment with a ‘new look’, ask the experts for advice on hairstyles, make-up and fitness. Take a sneak peak at what fashions are in store for the spring during our Fashion Shows plus enjoy cooking demonstrations all weekend.

Arrive early for your free Goodie Bag full of with great samples, plus information on amazing promotions and giveaways available only at the show! (While quantities last)